There is no doubt that we are in the midst of a serious recession. All the same signs, some even more worrying are here as in 1988/89 when the association was formed. Now more than ever we need to do the very thing we first formed the NLTA for – talk to each other!

You are not on your own but the NLTA can’t give you advice or direct you to someone who can help you if you don’t help us. We need much more up to date information about your rent and rates so we can give informed advice on rent reviews and new leases. With this newsletter came a small survey form – please, please fill it in and return it to your nearest drop off point.

Lately we have seen some enormous rent increases being proposed for North Laine businesses for which in many cases we have provided evidence of recent lower settlements.

As small retailers we have many strengths but our greatest one is to work together and emerge from this recession in good health – as we did the last time!

This year the B.I.D. Christmas launch will coincide with the Christmas lights switch on at 6pm on Thursday 20th November. The NLTA would ask all traders to get involved in the evening by opening later, creating Christmas window displays and maybe staging small events with their neighbours. NLTA would be happy to coordinate any events and to help where possible. We are also looking into a press campaign to coincide with the event. Contact Peter on peterthepotter@tiscali.co.uk

6pm, Tuesday 11th November 2008 at the Studio Bar, Komedia.
Our guest speaker will be local businessman, David Barling.
Agenda includes an update on the plans for City College.
Full agenda on the website - click here

This year’s City in Bloom winners included IDEYA, Kensington Gardens, MyHotel, Jubilee Street, Neals Yard Remedies, Kensington Gardens and NLTA cup winner the White Rabbit Pub – congratulations!

Velvet in Bond Street again won best independent retailer in the BAHBA awards.

We would like to start a section on the website to share information on meetings and events that our members have attended and found useful. If you have been to any please let Brian know by using the ‘contact us’ section of the website.